What to Expect From Today’s Virtual Apple WWDC 2020

Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be held today albeit virtual.

Normally if there is no coronavirus, Apple charges $1,600 asking price to attend. However, with COVID-19, this year’s WWDC will be held online.

Of course, since Apple is one of the most innovative companies in the world, there is so much to expect from the Tim Cook-led companies.

What to expect

iOS 14

There’s bound to be some twists in the details, but broadly speaking this one is pretty much a given. New iOS versions are a staple announcement of WWDC. None of the new features of iOS 14 have been confirmed. Another notable development is that Apple is rumored to be changing the name of iOS to iPhone OS.

iPadOS 14

At last year’s WWDC, Apple announced a new direction for the iPad with iPadOS 13. For the first time, iPad would be running on an OS intended for the tablet, rather than the same software used on the iPhone. The move emphasized Apple’s desire to assert the iPad as more than a middle child, squished between the iPhone and MacBook. While specific features of iPadOS 14 have yet to be officially revealed, it’s expected that they’ll aim to further solidify the iPad’s newfound independence.

Other software updates

Given the precedence of past WWDCs, it’s likely that the 2020 showcase will also announce updates to WatchOS, tvOS, and a new iteration of macOS.A new iMac

Rumors suggest that Apple plans to release a newly designed iMac computer sometime this year, though it’s not a given that this will happen at WWDC. Regardless of when it emerges, the new iMac is anticipated to come in 21.5-inch and 23-inch options, with slim bezels and other design features borrowed from the iPad Pro.

A processor switcheroo

After years of rumors, Apple is expected to switch to making its own ARM-based processors for Mac computers. According to Bloomberg, the new chips will be based on the as-of-yet unreleased A14 processor that the company plans to use in its upcoming line of iPhones. The move away from Intel processors would be a sizable shift for Apple’s development strategy. It could give the company tighter control over its hardware development and a potential boost to the power and speed of its laptop and desktop lines.

How to watch WWDC

The keynote event starts at 6 pm Nigerian time this Monday, June 22. You can stream it on Apple’s homepage, the Apple Events app on Apple TV, or on the Cupertino company’s developer website and app.